(Review) Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi

Title: Unravel Me
Author: Tahereh Mafi
Series: Shatter Me, #2
Published: February 5, 2013 (HarperCollins)
Rating: Stay Up 'til 2 AM
Format: Hardcover, purchased

Summary: Juliette has escaped to Omega Point. It is a place for people like her—people with gifts—and it is also the headquarters of the rebel resistance. She's finally free from The Reestablishment, free from their plan to use her as a weapon, and free to love Adam. But Juliette will never be free from her lethal touch.

Or from Warner, who wants Juliette more than she ever thought possible.

In this exhilarating sequel to Shatter Me, Juliette has to make life-changing decisions between what she wants and what she thinks is right. Decisions that might involve choosing between her heart—and Adam's life

Well, it is official! For the first time since my book blogging career began back in December of 2011, I have read a 5 star book (re-reads excepted)! There have been some super close calls (Shatter Me, Outlander, What I Did for a Duke). But Unravel Me was the first that made me give the full-out five-star rating, which I (obviously) save for a very select few books.

I almost filmed a vlog several times over the first couple days after I finished. But I thought if I gave it some time, I would be able to form more coherent, logical thoughts. Because let's just be honest: My review at that point, especially in vlog format, would have been nothing but spoiler-filled, incomprehensible, crazy flailings. Well, it's been some time. It's been more than some time, actually. And it's still difficult to formulate the words for this book.

I'll start with the obvious: Ms. Mafi's writing. The woman absolutely astounds me with her ability to craft words. The cadence, the unique symbolism, the emotion, the way her words flow together. I cannot wrap my brain around how much I love her writing. This was more evident than ever in Unravel Me. I am thoroughly convinced Tahereh Mafi could write a tome on the complexities of soil, and I would read it.

I loved the further development of the secondary characters. Some I decided I did not like (Castle). Some, however, were the complete opposite. For example, Kenji! My love for Kenji grew threefold after reading Unravel Me, and it was already pretty high. I just loved his sense of humor and how he used it, even though he can be serious. I find him a very interesting character, and I hope to continue to get to know him over the next books.

Warner. You knew it was coming. I loved seeing his character developed even further than it was in Destroy Me. I enjoyed every single scene with him in it, and I wanted to see him even more than we did. I became more intrigued by his not-fully-good, but not-fully-evil character. The chemistry between Warner and Juliette was incredible. And just in case you couldn't tell, for me, the SS Adam has officially sunk (or been "destroyed," if you will ;D ). Mafi got me to completely jump ship, and that doesn't happen with me! Admittedly, I am a lot less stubborn regarding the pick-one-and-stick-with-it approach to shipping than I used to be. I'm the queen of multishipping lately; rarely do my loyalties shift so drastically. But Mafi accomplished it. Although I do still like Adam.

There are a few more things I could discuss regarding this book. For instance, the world-building was developed a little further in this book, which I appreciated. But at the same time, I could possibly ramble on forever. It is also very difficult for me to discuss a lot of things without spoiling the book. So I will wrap it up.

To be honest, I was the teensiest bit concerned that maybe Unravel Me wouldn't live up to my sky-high expectations. I needn't have worried. I absolutely plan to read this book again. Probably soon. I've already read Shatter Me and Destroy Me twice. May as well make it even!

The Shatter Me series is hands-down my favorite currently-in-progress YA series. Just catching a glimpse of the Unravel Me spine on my bookcase is still enough to make me want to start physically flailing or take the book out and hug it to me. Which I did off and on for about two days after finishing this book. Shut up. You know you wanted to do it, too. I await #3 (and #2.5, as well!) with a breathlessness that may eventually warrant medical attention. I have no doubt it will be worth it.

It’s the kind of kiss that makes you realize oxygen is overrated.*

---

But time is beyond our finite comprehension. It’s endless, it exists outside of us; we cannot run out of it or lose track of it or find a way to hold on to it. Time goes on even when we do not.

---

I love it when he tells me that he likes the way I feel because it goes against everything I’ve heard my entire life and I wish I could put his words in my pocked just to touch them once in a while and remind myself that they exist.

---

I’m checking my pockets for spare words and sentences but I’m finding none, not an adverb, not a preposition or even a dangling participle because there doesn’t exist a single response to such an outlandish request.

*Replace "kiss" with "book" and this describes Unravel Me, basically.

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{Joint Review} What I Did For a Duke By Julie Anne Long

Title: What I Did For a Duke
Author: Julie Anne Long
Series: Pennyroyal Green #5
Genre: Historical romance/regency
Published February 22nd 2011 by Avon
Goodreads summary:

For years, he's been an object of fear, fascination . . . and fantasy. But of all the wicked rumors that shadow the formidable Alexander Moncrieffe, Duke of Falconbridge, the "ton" knows one thing for certain: only fools dare cross him. And when Ian Eversea does just that, Moncrieffe knows the perfect revenge: he'll seduce Ian's innocent sister, Genevieve--the only Eversea as yet untouched by scandal. First he'll capture her heart . . . and then he'll break it.

But everything about Genevieve is unexpected: the passion simmering beneath her cool control, the sharp wit tempered by gentleness . . . And though Genevieve has heard the whispers about the duke's dark past, and knows she trifles with him at her peril, one incendiary kiss tempts her deeper into a world of extraordinary sensuality. Until Genevieve is faced with a fateful choice . . . is there "anything" she won't do for a duke?

Because we both harbor incredible amounts of love for What I Did for a Duke and have read it multiple times (Racquel four times, Sharon twice), we decided this was the perfect opportunity to try something new: a conversational review! Which may or may not have ended up including a lot of capslock, flailing, discussions of death by swoonage, and somewhere mixed between all of that, our thoughts about the book.

And these are just the highlights! The entire conversation actually wound up lasting 3 hours. We kid you not.

Also, scroll to the bottom if you'd like to see some of the "outtakes" from our conversation, too!

Okay, now that you have sufficiently prepared yourself, you may proceed to read our thoughts on one of the best historical romances we have ever read!

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[Review] Spark by Brigid Kemmerer

Title: Spark (Elementals #2)
Author: Brigid Kemmerer
Published: October 1st 2012 by Allen & Unwin
Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Fantasy, Supernatural.
Rating: ★★★★★
Goodreads summary:

Gabriel Merrick plays with fire. Literally.

Sometimes he can even control it. And sometimes he can’t. Like the fire that killed his parents.

Gabriel has always had his brothers to rely on, especially his twin, Nick. But when an arsonist starts wreaking havoc on their town, all the signs point to Gabriel. Only he’s not doing it.

More than Gabriel’s pride is at stake -- this could cost him his family, maybe his life. And no one seems to hear him. Except a shy sophomore named Layne, a brainiac who dresses in turtlenecks and jeans and keeps him totally off balance. Layne understands family problems, and she understands secrets. She has a few of her own.

Gabriel can’t let her guess about his brothers, about his abilities, about the danger that’s right at his heels. But there are some risks he can’t help taking.

The fuse is lit…

*thanks to the publisher for supplying me a review copy of this ebook (via Netgalley)*

Emma's thoughts:

Leading up to Spark was Storm, the story of Gabriel's little brother, Chris. There, they encountered dangers that threatened to kill their family for their secrets. Like Chris, Gabriel has a power over an element. Fire's his specialty, and it seems matching considering his temper and attitude. Often in fights and brawls, it's no surprise that Gabriel's the troublemaker of the family.

I adore Gabriel though. Even if he acts without thinking sometimes, he truly means well. He's not the best person at showing his feelings, but reading from his perspective is a delight ♥ That goes to the same to Lane without a doubt. She is honestly the sweetest girl. That being said, she's got a backbone, that's for sure. She doesn't deal with Gabriel's shit. She sees right through him. Together, they've got this explicable chemistry that is to die for. They've got each other's backs and watching them grow and develop their relationship is incredible.

Gabriel's power with fire is so fascinating. It's supposed to be his advantage to everyone else. His strength, but it's also his weakness. The fire tempts him, lures him in to play, it destroy every standing thing he can find. It's really no wonder he is the way he is. He's not just another cocky jock. Just imagine not being able to do the very thing you're best at.

However he does find a way with the Merrick's oh beloved friend, Hunter. I actually really liked Hunter in Spark. He's not just the other guy part of the love triangle anymore, but the help he can offer is enormous. It's absolutely fitting that Gabriel and Hunter became friends. It's made me more curious about him and I really hope to see him in his own story one day! That being said, I don't think Hunter and Gabriel would've happened if Nick and Gabriel hadn't been drifting. There's really nothing more heart-breaking than two extremely close people slowly begin to fall apart...

The story is well-paced. There's just enough of everything; action, romance, humour, and of course familial problems. I adore Michael. He may not be the perfect guardian for three teenage boys, but he's doing a damn fine job. 

The perfect sequel to a brilliant start to the Elemental series. I honestly cannot wait to read about the rest of the Merrick brothers (and hopefully Hunter too!). Brigid Kemmerer, thank you for giving us five fine specimens ;)

Overall rating: 5 stars~ Riveting and breathtaking ♥

First:

He could feel the flames coming through the floor, looking for him. The sound of wood giving way was deafening.

Favourite:

Everyone likes to talk, he'd said. The trick is letting them talk long enough.  

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[Review] What I Didn't Say by Keary Taylor

Title: What I Didn't Say
Author: Keary Taylor
Published: April 30th 2012 by CreateSpace
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance.
Rating: ★★★★★
Goodreads summary:

Getting drunk homecoming night your senior year is never a good idea, but Jake Hayes never expected it all to end with a car crash and a t-post embedded in his throat.

His biggest regret about it all? What he never said to Samantha Shay. He's been in love with her for years and never had the guts to tell her. Now it's too late. Because after that night, Jake will never be able to talk again.

When Jake returns to his small island home, population 5,000, he'll have to learn how to deal with being mute. He also finds that his family isn't limited to his six brothers and sisters, that sometimes an entire island is watching out for you. And when he gets the chance to spend more time with Samantha, she'll help him learn that not being able to talk isn’t the worst thing that could ever happen to you. Maybe, if she'll let him, Jake will finally tell her what he didn't say before, even if he can't actually say it.

*thanks to the publisher for supplying me with a review copy of this ebook (via Netgalley)*

Emma's thoughts:

“Reality hasn't really sunk in yet, I knew that. I didn't want to know what life was going to feel like when it finally did.” 

Finishing this book, all I could think was that, Keary Taylor had created something indescribably magical. The story of Jake Hayes and Samantha Shay is one I know I'll never forget. I know I say that about a lot of books, but What I Didn't Say isn't just another romance novel. It's about appreciating life, especially the simple things. We take so many things for granted, but we don't realise how different our lives would be without those little things.

Jake Hayes lives on a small island with a tight knit population. And there's that one girl, there always is. He could never bring himself to voice his feelings for her, and the one time he actually has the guts to, he can't. Not surprisngly though, the car crash, him losing the capability to speak, is what brings Samantha and Jake together.

It's a genuine, and beautiful relationship. There isn't a lack of flaws, that's for sure, and I totally admire Sam. She's so strong, and such a respectable character. Jake might have to deal not being able to tell her his true feelings, but she has to deal with not knowing what exactly is on his mind before going on paper.

They share this notebook, filled with pages of their thoughts and their lives. And that's not something people these days do often enough. We don't take the time to reflect on our days and our actions. We only ever recount the physical actions, but we don't think enough about the meanings behind them and the people behind them. And in What I Didn't Say, Keary Taylor has filled it with little musings and truths about reality and each one is beautiful.

Jake has to deal with his whole world changing. He has to deal with his future of being a pilot disintegrating to ashes. He has to learn an entirely new language just to communicate. He can't even have a proper conversation with his friends anymore. And I think that's one of the most heartbreaking things. I can't imagine not being able to converse with my friends, not being able to have a simple conversation in the middle of the hallway, not being able to easily tell them about my day. He has to learn to communicate with actions, if at all.

Reading about them, Jake and Samantha deal with the confrontations of life; not only Jake not being able to speak, but Samantha's dilemmas and Jake's determination to help her through whatever, and also the big question of love - it's heartbreaking and moving. The sheer persistence they have, to keep on fighting and to keep on going no matter what, is awe-inspiring and I know I'll be revisiting their story time and time again.

Overall rating: 5 stars~ Actions truly speak louder than words ♥

First:

There were three things that I knew for sure about Orcas Island:
One: The people here were generally weird.

Favourite:

"How'd I get so lucky to have you?" she whispered against my chest. "You always take care of me."
I pressed my lips to her hair, squeezing her tighter.
I'm the lucky one.

Teaser:

 I wrote: 'Do you really not believe in love?'
I really wished I never would have asked.

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[Review] Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

Title: Daughter of Smoke and Bone #1
Author: Laini Taylor
Published: September 29th 2011 by Hodder & Stoughton
Genre: YA, Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance.
Rating: ★★★★★
Goodreads summary:

"Errand requiring immediate attention. Come.

The note was on vellum, pierced by the talons of the almost-crow that delivered it. Karou read the message. 'He never says please', she sighed, but she gathered up her things.
When Brimstone called, she always came."

In general, Karou has managed to keep her two lives in balance. On the one hand, she's a seventeen-year-old art student in Prague; on the other, errand-girl to a monstrous creature who is the closest thing she has to family. Raised half in our world, half in 'Elsewhere', she has never understood Brimstone's dark work - buying teeth from hunters and murderers - nor how she came into his keeping. She is a secret even to herself, plagued by the sensation that she isn't whole.

Now the doors to Elsewhere are closing, and Karou must choose between the safety of her human life and the dangers of a war-ravaged world that may hold the answers she has always sought.

Emma's thoughts:

Wishes are false. Hope is true. Hope makes its own magic.

Daughter of Smoke and Bone is simply... extraordinary. There's really no other word for it. From the first page, the first line, the book completely enthralled me. The world Laini Taylor has set Karou in is strangely beautiful and alluring, yet dark and completely foreign.

Karou, having living her whole life in two very distinct parts, is an admirable protagonist that likes to waste wishes on petty revenge on her ex. She's got bright blue hair, matching eye tattoos on her palms and often collects teeth for her 'boss', Brimstone. Brimstone's a strange, mysterious character that's been the father figure (of sorts) in Karou's life. I wish we could've seen more of him, understood more of what his purpose was and what he did with 'wishes'. 

I loved the idea of being able to purchase 'wishes' and wishes of different values too. Just think about all the things you could do! Flying would just be the start... And I guess, that's a point Laini Taylor made in the book. Wishes can be dangerous. Well, no, not the wishes themselves, but the greed inside oneself that would compel one to pull out all one's teeth for the most powerful wish of all. It's demonstrated by a character who'd pulled out all his own teeth for the wish of knowledge. Knowledge of everything. And what'd he get? A fallen angel shadowing his every step, haunting his every move. And what'd it lead to? A jump off a building.

Evil is always so tempting isn't it? When the devil strikes you a deal, you only ever see the good side of it til it's too late. Brimstone, the wishmonger himself knew it, and he protected Karou in a way by keeping her out of the dark.

And then she met Akiva... 

How do I explain Akiva? How can I even put him into words? He's an angel, and honest to God, I cannot resist angels, deadly or not. He's just.. he's charming, and utterly wonderful. If you haven't read Daughter of Smoke and Bone, you must, for Akiva. You'll understand the adoration...

I think it's simply the way Laini Taylor wrote this book. I think, if it had been any other person writing the exact same story line with the exact same characters, it wouldn't have been the same. Taylor's prose is simply beautiful. It's poetry, really. Every sentence in Daughter of Smoke and Bone tells a story of it's own. It's unforgettable.

Overall rating: 5 stars~ Utterly breathtaking and beautiful ♥

First:

Once upon a time, an angel and a devil fell in love.
It did not end well.

Favourite:

"Have you ever asked yourself, do monsters make war, or does war make monsters?"

Teaser:

Once upon a time, an angel lay dying in the mist.
And a devil knelt over him and smiled.

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[Review] City Of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare

Title: City of Lost Souls (The Mortal Instruments #5)
Author: Cassandra Clare
Published: May 8th 2012 by Walker Books Ltd
Rating: ★★★★★
Goodreads summary:

Jace is now a servant of evil, bound for all eternity to Sebastian. Only a small band of Shadowhunters believe he can be saved. To do this they must defy the Clave. And they must act without Clary. For Clary is playing a dangerous game utterly alone. The price of losing is not just her own life, but Jace’s soul.

Clary is willing to do anything for Jace, but can she still trust him? Or is he truly lost?

What price is too high to pay, even for love?

Emma's thoughts:

Reading City of Lost Souls, an inexplicable feeling of longing came over me. At first, I was a bit miffed that we weren't seeing as much of Jace and Clary as in the previous books, but I ended up loving the perspectives of the other characters. I think, after reading all five books, having lived through the experiences of these characters, it feels as if some bond has formed. There's no other way I can put it, really. There's this part of me that loves the idea of Clary, Jace, Simon, Izzy, Alec, Magnus and etc... that all these characters, these people are forever linked by their stories. And that, even when their story ends after City of Heavenly Fire, they'll still bound by these memories. 

Well, at least by these novels. 

I kind of wish it would just never end, you know? We're one book away from the end, and argh. I'm happy there will be movies, but they better do the books justice. 

When I first started this series, I was doubtful and hesitant to begin due to the harsh comments about Clare's confusing metaphors and sorts of plagiarism, but five books later, IT DON'T MATTER ANYMORE. The Mortal Instruments has become it's own story. It's no longer just Cassandra Clare's. It's ours. 

What I love about City of Lost Souls is the deception and just wholly the idea of not knowing. Not knowing if Jace is Jace, not knowing Sebastian's intentions, Magnus's past, the truth in good and evil. Because while I don't believe myself to be a gullible person, I found myself believing in this book. I was always constantly hoping for the better, giving Sebastian the benefit of doubt, wishing that all would end well.

Jace, being intrinsically bound to Sebastian, a half to a whole, we know that he's not the Jace we first met in City of Bones. And yet, he still is physically, apparently Jace. Clary knows that, but it's hard not to love both Jace's because they both love her. Sebastian's Jace is yes, a slave to the devil, but his love for Clary is true. 

And that, that is what conflicted me the most. I honestly just wanted to stop time, while Clary and Jace were on a boat in Venice, on a date, being a real couple, and just being in love. I wanted to stop there just so they could be happy in my mind forever, regardless the rest of the world is in chaos. 

But everyone deserves a happy ending, right? Simon and Isabelle, Alec and Magnus, Maia and Jordan. Even Luke and Jocelyn. As I said before, they're bound forever in my mind. There's no escaping each other. They're all so different, unique in impeccably odd ways. Each has their flaws and perks and each has found a place in my heart.

I never want this series to end, but I've never wanted a finale more. And even when all the books have come out, all the movies have been released, I don't think I'll be forgetting The Mortal Instruments for a long time...

Overall rating: 5 stars~ Left me anticipating the end.

First:

Simon stood and stared numbly at the front door of his house. 

Favourite:

His eyes softened. "But it doesn't change what we are to each other. It's like there's always been a piece of my soul missing, and it's inside you, Clary. I know I told you once that whether God exists or not, we're on our own. But when I'm with you, I'm not.” 

Teaser:

“Missing, one stunningly attractive teenage boy. Answers to 'Jace' or 'Hot Stuff'.”

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[Review] The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead

Title: The Golden Lily (Bloodlines #2)
Author: Richelle Mead
Published: June 12th 2012 by Razorbill
Genre: Young Adult, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance.
Rating: ★★★★★
Goodreads summary:

Tough, brainy alchemist Sydney Sage and doe-eyed Moroi princess Jill Dragomir are in hiding at a human boarding school in the sunny, glamorous world of Palm Springs, California. The students--children of the wealthy and powerful--carry on with their lives in blissful ignorance, while Sydney, Jill, Eddie, and Adrian must do everything in their power to keep their secret safe. But with forbidden romances, unexpected spirit bonds, and the threat of Strigoi moving ever closer, hiding the truth is harder than anyone thought.

Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, Richelle Mead's breathtaking Bloodlines series explores all the friendship, romance, battles, and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive. In this second book, the drama is hotter, the romances are steamier, and the stakes are even higher.

Emma's thoughts:

*Spoilers for Bloodlines*

I am once again awed by Richelle Mead's work. After finishing Vampire Academy, I could not wait to start Bloodlines! And that, oh gosh<3 Honestly, I was wondering how The Golden Lily could be any better, but it is utterly breathtaking! I'm constantly reminded of why I love Richelle Mead's characters so much. Each one is so different and so unique in their own ways and there's never mistaking one for another.

Sydney's such a strong, determined and admirable character. Sure, I don't always agree with her Alchemist ways, but she stays true to herself always. She's so kind, and constantly thinking of others - yes it is her job, but as her history teacher says, she always go waaay beyond what's expected. Through every hardship and problem, she's always focused and ready for anything. I particularly loved it when she signed up for self-defense classes with Adrian. (EEEEEEP CUTENESS<3) I love how her situation there is similar to the one with Eddie and Jill.

But ugh, one thing I didn't really enjoy was the new characters. Angeline is necessary, yes, but I just didn't like her. I'm not sure if we're supposed to, but I don't like her and Eddie, I don't like her and Trey. I just don't. like. her. I don't like Brayden either, but that's a given. Poor Sydney can't see that Brayden could never in a million years give her what Adrian could offer.

Adrian, Adrian, Adrian... oh Adrian... Sydney how could you not see?!?! He's so head over heels in love with Sydney and really doesn't try to hide it, at all. He's constantly making up these excuses just to see her, talk to her, and just to spend time with her. And even Sydney cares a lot for him whether she realizes it or not. Even she does things for him that shocks him, that makes him surprised to think that anybody would ever bother. That's what I love about their relationship. They do things that are unexpected to each other and they make exceptions to their usual rules for each other. I mean, who drives four hours from city to city that they had no obligations and no feelings for?

But The Golden Lily isn't about the romance (though it is the best bit), Trey comes into a big part of the story - which I really enjoyed. I loved Trey as a character in Bloodlines and it was great to see him play a vital role in this book. It was nice to see a twist involving the Alchemist's history and human magic (which yes! Sydney finally gives in to!).

And of course, there's a cliffhanger - of sorts - and unffff I am DYING to for the third book! I hope Sydney puts her morals away and make another exception for us readers (:

Overall rating: 5 stars~ Richelle Mead never ever disappoints!

First:

 Most people would find being led into an underground bunker on a stormy night scary. Not me.

Favourite:

“Isn’t it obvious, Sage? No, of course it isn’t. I did it so I’d have a reason to be around you — one I knew you couldn’t refuse.”

Teaser:

“You're in an awfully good mood," he observed. "Was there a sale at Khakis-R-Us?” 

 

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[Review] Dark Territory by J. Gabriel Gates

Title: Dark Territory (The Tracks #1)
Author: J. Gabriel Gates & Charlene Keel
Published: July 1st 2011 by HCI Teens
Genre: YA Fantasy, Paranormal & Romance.
Rating: ★★★★★
Goodreads summary:

In the quaint town of Middleburg, an abandoned train yard and old railroad tracks form the dividing line between two rival gangs--the posh, preppie Toppers and the working-class Flatliners. When Raphael, the leader of the Flatliners, falls in love with Aimee, a Topper girl, the rival gangs prepare to do battle.

Emma's thoughts:

I started this book with NO idea what to expect. I mean, it sounds pretty innocent right? Rivalry gangs, cute romance, fights. And it was exactly that! For the beginning at least.

What I really enjoyed was the characters in this book. They were fun and relatable and the boys sounded damn hot! There were a few stereotypical characters, Rick, the bully, Maggie, the bitch, but even so, they were real. It was great that the story was told from all different points of views. It didn't stick with just one or two characters, but it told everyone's stories, even the not so prominent characters. From time to time, adults got their own little parts and it was just a breath of fresh air, reading from such a great range of perspectives. I gotta say though, I love Nass (Ignacio) and Raph! They were so cute (in lack of a better word)! Nass is hilarious and Raph is just drool-worthy! Totally jealous of Aimee right now...

The fighting in this book was awesome. Just plain, awesomeness. I love martial arts. I love watching guys fight. And not just some random punches flying around, but skilled fighting. The description of the action in here was just too good! I felt like I could see it, everything, being played out right in my head! And it's hot boys.♥

So, jump to the halfway point of the book and the creepy supernatural stuff starts to appear. And I mean creepy. I clearly haven't learnt my lesson (from The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer) to not read books like these in the dark! It's not horribly gruesome, but I definitely felt shivers. All the talk about endless black tunnels and strange monsters in the dark really isn't good for my current state of mind...

But this whole concept of time! Time time time! I just, I couldn't stop thinking about it. Time is something that's just always, constantly there. It ticks on and on and we all know we can't, yet still wish to pause, rewind or fast forward. But you know, maybe we don't need to. Anyways, I just want to praise Gates and Keel on this awesome concept of time. I won't spoil it for you, but READ IT. Your mind will be blown.

I am so excited to start the sequel! (Thank you, Netgalley! Review to come soon.) Needless to say, the end left me dying for more. Shit's about to go down in Middleburg...

Rating: 5 stars~ An endless, terrifying yet exciting journey!

First:

 Ignacio Torrez stepped into the Middleburg High School cafeteria at high noon, five minutes before the fists started flying.

Favourite:

 "I'd like to introduce my crouching tiger to her hidden dragon."

Teaser:

 "He looks like a monkey that took ballet lessons."

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[Review] The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

Title: The Scorpio Races
Author: Maggie Stiefvater
Published: October 18th 2011 by Scholastic Inc.
Rating: ★★★★★
Goodreads summary:

It happens at the start of every November: the Scorpio Races. Riders attempt to keep hold of their water horses long enough to make it to the finish line. Some riders live. Others die.

At age nineteen, Sean Kendrick is the returning champion. He is a young man of few words, and if he has any fears, he keeps them buried deep, where no one else can see them.

Puck Connolly is different. She never meant to ride in the Scorpio Races. But fate hasn’t given her much of a chance. So she enters the competition — the first girl ever to do so. She is in no way prepared for what is going to happen.

Emma's thoughts:

Oh. My. God. Reading this, I am once again reminded of why I love Maggie Stiefvater's writing so much. Simply magical, really. The way she phrases her words, the detailed description of the settings, the characters. It makes me feel as if her stories come truly alive.

On the small island of Thisby, we meet Sean Kendrick and Puck Connolly. We're also introduced to these mythical creatures, capaill uisce. Water horses. Dangerous, predators, and beautiful. In my mind, I see an image something like that ------------------------------------>
Not quite so skeletal, but big, daunting and dark.

The entire concept of these water horses utterly fascinates me. They're creatures from the ocean, but on the land, they become these ferocious monsters that eat flesh, and yet, are an attraction. No matter how many people they have eaten or killed, people still want them, people still dare to sit on their backs and race with them.

Puck Connolly is the first female to ever enter the competition. She's barely an adult and doesn't even dare to ride a capaill uisce. No, she races on her land mare that everyone mistakes for a pony.

I love love love Puck. She's so strong and brave and confident in ways I could never be. Fierce and a quite stubborn, she really creates quite a stir in Thisby. Orphaned and living with two brothers, she's grown up to be pretty much independent. Well until her older brother decides to leave. SOMEHOW, I don't think entering a race where people actually die, is a great way to convince him to stay, even for a while longer. Not the way I'd go about it, but anyways.. it showed me just how much a jerk her brother is! Right, just leave your siblings because you can't pay for the freaking house...

So Puck enters this race, and she's mocked and treated a joke. It's a man's race. I love the fact that Puck doesn't really care about that. She's doing what she has to do, because she needs to win. I admire that she knows that people are going to think what they're going think and she doesn't need their blessing to prove to the men that a girl can win the Scorpio race.

And Sean Sean Sean! He's got the 'dark, mysterious, and brooding' appeal down pat. 'The dead speak more than he does.' He's focused, determined, the four-time winner of the races and quite the horse whisperer. For someone who speaks the bare minimum, he's got so much to say. At the age of nineteen, he's probably maturer than the majority of the island.

It's great that we get both perspectives of Puck and Sean. They're both such interesting and unique characters, it's hard not to feel a connection. By the end of the book, I couldn't help but to feel nostalgic. I've decided this is why I like series. I get to be excited and anticipate the next book. Puck and Sean's story is over, but it's one that will stay with me for a long while.

Overall rating: 5 stars~ Another heart-stopping and breath-taking story by Maggie Stiefvater!

First:

 People say my brothers would be lost without me, but really, I'd be lost without them.

Favourite:

 “I say, 'I will not be your weakness, Sean Kendrick.'
Now he looks at me. He says, very softly, 'It's late for that, Puck.”

Teaser:

 They haven't discovered yet that it's not the fastest who make it to race day.
You only have to be the fastest of those who are left.

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[Review] Anna And The French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Title: Anna and the French Kiss
Author: Stephanie Perkins
Published: December 2nd 2010 by Dutton
Genre: YA contemporary romance.
Rating:  ★★★★★
Goodreads summary:

Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris - until she meets Étienne St. Clair: perfect, Parisian (and English and American, which makes for a swoon-worthy accent), and utterly irresistible. The only problem is that he's taken, and Anna might be, too, if anything comes of her almost-relationship back home.

As winter melts into spring, will a year of romantic near - misses end with the French kiss Anna - and readers - have long awaited?

Emma's thoughts:

No amount of hearts, or stars, or long words can amount to how much I simply LOVE this book. I keep saying that I fell in love, that I'm in love with Anna and the French Kiss. And it's that kind of book love where I just can't. stop. thinking about it. When my English classmates speak, I wonder if St. Clair's accent sounds the same. When my friends talk about their French exchange, I wonder if they'll explore Paris, make wishes, and climb endless stairs.

The very first time I heard of Anna and the French Kiss was over a year ago when my friend and I were extremely bored in the library, hiding from heat. Anna had just come in, sitting on the display with it's glossy cover. My friend only picked it up and started reading it as a joke, but she ended up borrowing it and devouring the story that night. Needless to say, she went on and on and on about it for days because, well, it's amazing. I was very skeptical about it all, because honestly, it just reminded me of those 100 page books of those tacky exchange romance stories. HATED them. 

But hey, a year later, St Clair's name seems to keep coming up in Twitter conversations, so I finally, finally, decided to borrow it. And I don't regret it. At. All.

Anna and St Clair! They're like this... magnetic field... It's just constantly, alive, and it's electrifying. There's this one scene, early on in the book, where they're watching a movie, and... words cannot explain how... exhilarating it was. But, the thing is, NOTHING happened. It's the way that Stephanie Perkins, wrote it, the feeling, the atmosphere, the characters, just.. oh gosh.

This deserves so much more than five stars. Everything is just so right. Anna and St Clair, their budding relationship, their friends, and PARIS. The places we're introduced to, it sounds amazing. Great way to advertise France, this book. I want to go there, find those cinemas with old movies and just watch screening after screening.

This book is realistic. Anna isn't perfect. St Clair isn't perfect. No, they is FAR from perfect, but that's what makes it so interesting. You face their problems with them and you live this year with them and by the end of it, you're just dying for more, and yet, feeling extremely satisfied and happy. 
And now, I just need to read Lola, which I'm looking forward to. There have been so many mixed reviews, I can't wait to find out where I stand. But I'm sure Stephanie Perkins won't disappoint :)

I recommend this to: EVERYONE!

Overall rating: 5 stars~ I fell in love with this book. Not just Étienne, but everyone, and Paris, and now I really wish I had continued French :'(

First:

Here is everything I know about France: Madeline and Amélie and Moulin Rouge.

Favourite:

"Yes. God, you're right. That was pants."(Étienne)
I sidestep another aggressive couscous vendor. "Pants?"
"Rubbish. Crap. Shite."
Pants. Oh heavens, that's cute.

I think I died reading this. I really think I did.



Teaser:

 Girl scouts didn't teach me what to do with emotionally unstable drunk boys.

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[Review] Everneath by Brodi Ashton

Title: Everneath (Everneath #1)
Author: Brodi Ashton
Published: January 24th 2012 by Harper Collins / Balzer + Bray
Genre: YA Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Mythology.
Rating: ★★★★★
Goodreads summary:

Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath, where immortals Feed on the emotions of despairing humans. Now she's returned- to her old life, her family, her friends- before being banished back to the underworld... this time forever.

She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can't find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists.

Nikki longs to spend these months reconnecting with her boyfriend, Jack, the one person she loves more than anything. But there's a problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who first enticed her to the Everneath, has followed Nikki to the mortal world. And he'll do whatever it takes to bring her back- this time as his queen.

As Nikki's time grows short and her relationships begin slipping from her grasp, she's forced to make the hardest decision of her life: find a way to cheat fate and remain on the Surface with Jack or return to the Everneath and become Cole's...

Emma's thoughts:

Okay, first of all, I have to say one thing. I DO NOT understand the fascination with Cole! Guys, it's JACK! YOU HAVE TO LOVE JACK! JACK JACK JACK JACK JACK. Got it? Okay, good.

The love triangle really got me thinking about Juliette/Adam/Warner from Shatter Me. It's the same concept really. Cole (Warner) continuously tempts Nikki (Juliette) to join him for the better life. The eternal life as the queen. Jack (Adam) is her salvation. He's the one she keeps in mind, the one she always thinks about, and the one she wants to be with. Admittedly, I really liked Warner's character in Shatter Me, and I do like Cole, but he's the serpent in the Garden of Eden. Mostly, I want to jab him with fire and yell for him to 'LEAVE THEM ALONE.' Yet, at the same time, I looked forward to the scenes he'd randomly pop in and attempt to convince Nikki to be his soul-sucking queen.

You know, usually I go for the bad guys, but Jack was just too sweet to resist! Reading about him just made me want to melt into a pile of warm mush. I cannot explain how much I am in love with him right now..! His love for Nikki is heartbreaking. He loves her so much that it hurts, it physically hurts, and for her to be gone months, for him to lose her, I can't even imagine... My heart shatters for him. I wanted to reach in and take away his pain, hug him and hold him♥

I have to say, for someone who adores Greek mythology, this has got to be one of my favourite stories with a mythology spin. It's not about the usual Olympians. It's not about being heroic and it's not overly tacky with too many references. It focuses mainly on the underworld, Persephone, and Orpheus' tale. It's a brilliant, fresh view on Greek mythology!

The ending will leave you jaw dropping and book throwing.. I'll tell you that much! I'm dying in anticipation here, waiting for the sequel to be released. I really need to find out what happens next...! I cannot wait to continue Nikki's journey and learn more about the world Cole so desperately wants her to be a part of.

I recommend this to: Mythology lovers, YA fantasy readers... EVERYONE. 

Rating: 5 stars~ Couldn't put this down! 

First:

I was picturing his face - a boy with floppy brown hair and brown eyes - when the Feed ended.

Favourite:

 "...I had his face behind my eyelids. And I thought if I could see him, even just for a day, it would be worth a hundred years. One day is all I deserved, and I've had so many already. I've won. I've won!"

Teaser:

 "Friends don't eat friends' souls."

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[Review] The Fault In Our Stars by John Green

Title: The Fault In Our Stars
Author: John Green
Published: January 10th 2012 by Dutton Juvenile
Rating: ★★★★★
Goodreads summary:

Diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at 12, Hazel was prepared to die until, at 14, a medical miracle shrunk the tumours in her lungs... for now.

Two years post-miracle, sixteen-year-old Hazel is post-everything else, too; post-high school, post-friends and post-normalcy. And even though she could live for a long time (whatever that means), Hazel lives tethered to an oxygen tank, the tumours tenuously kept at bay with a constant chemical assault.

Enter Augustus Waters. A match made at cancer kid support group, Augustus is gorgeous, in remission, and shockingly to her, interested in Hazel. Being with Augustus is both an unexpected destination and a long-needed journey, pushing Hazel to re-examine how sickness and health, life and death, will define her and the legacy that everyone leaves behind.

Emma's thoughts:

I knew I'd love this book the moment I'd heard of it. I fell in love with it at the end of chapter two.

It's like The Notebook all over again. And there's not even a movie on it. But boy, did I cry! It wasn't even just one scene where I had to stop reading, wipe my tears, and just remind myself these aren't actual people. No, there were at least two and a half moments. In the end, I had to let myself sob for a full minute, because.. why is the world just so goddamn unfair?! Of course, that'd be the stupidest question I've ever asked.

I do not claim to know much about cancer, I've not experienced it first hand, but it has left a huge, irreplaceable hole in my life. Hazel Grace's life is not one I can fully relate to, but her parents', Kaitlynn's, the little girl's? Yes. Cancer's a bitch and I used to delude myself into thinking that I'd become a great doctor one day and figure out the cure to it. However, I have finally come to the realization that I will never be quite that amazing and intelligent to uncover such answers... *sigh*

Okay, now, I truly do not know how I can express how much I absolutely adored each and every character in this book..! My gosh, I even loved the Dutch waiter with the stars! But words fail me... For starters, WHY DON'T SMART PEOPLE EXIST ANYMORE?! I mean no offense to anyone, but intelligent people are seriously lacking in my city. I want to meet John Green. For one who creates such witty characters that are practically mythical, he must be a genius himself. Of course, if I ever do happen to be graced with his presence, I'd be scared to open my mouth, in fear of disgusting him with my plainness.

But for now, I shall cradle my e-book and dream of my own flirtatious and confident Augustus. I'll tell you, the ONLY thing that put me slightly off TFiOS, is the nickname Gus. I absolutely detest the name Gus, but that's my unfortunate luck of knowing a rude adolescent named Gus.

I'd just love to be friends with Hazel, Augustus, and Isaac. As I turned each page, as I grew to love these characters, I became a part of them. I felt so comfortable reading about them. I felt like I knew them. And there is nothing better than feeling at home in a book. I could've known them forever, really. And hell, I want to know Augustus. Hazel wasn't the only one who fell in love with him. I did too. And it didn't even feel like a cute book boyfriend crush. But somewhere along the line, I started to believe that Augustus did really exist.

Augustus, will you be my Okay?

You'd think, even knowing the ending before starting this book, I'd be immune to the waterworks. But this is a rollercoaster. It went all ups and downs. And as horrid as it sounds, I laughed and cried! Tears of happiness and laughter whilst crying; it was the strangest thing. Because even in dire situations, there was always something spectacular that John Green added.

I could go on forever and ever about how much I absolutely adore and love this book. It's the perfect combinations of tears and laughter. It's bound to throw you off heights, snap your heart into miniscule pieces, and have you on sobbing tears of joy...or sadness? You figure it out.

An emotional journey that will make you feel alive, yet allow you to somewhat understand dying, and the side effects of it.

I recommend this to: Fans of witty banter, and anyone who loves a good cry.

Rating: 5 stars~ Tragically beautiful ♥

 First:

Late in the winter of my seventeenth year, my mother decided I was depressed, presumably because I rarely left the house, spent quite a lot of time in bed, read the same book over and over, ate infrequently, and devoted quite a bit of my abundant free time to thinking about death.

Favourites:

So, I've had the hardest time trying to limit down my favourites to THREE, but who am I to ruin the story for you? Although, if I had the time and patience, I would read this book over and over again until I could recite John Green's touching words perfectly by heart, without hesitation.  

"Thank you for explaining that my eye cancer isn't going to make me deaf. I feel so fortunate that an intellectual giant like yourself would deign to operate on me."

^ Meet Isaac. He's a little quirky but a fictional being I shall never forget.

"...I wondered if hurdlers ever thought, you know, This would go faster if we just got rid of the hurdles."

^ Thoughts like these, make me question the meanings of life. I like that. 

"How did scrambled eggs get stuck with breakfast exclusivity? You can put bacon on a sandwich without anyone freaking out. But the moment your sandwich has an egg, boom, it's a breakfast sandwich."

^ I am PROUD to say that I had scrambled eggs at 3pm two weeks ago! 

Teaser:

"Oh, I wouldn't mind, Hazel Grace. It would be a privilege to have my heart broken by you."

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[Review] Angelfall by Susan Ee

Title: Angelfall (Penryn & The End Of Days #1)
Author: Susan Ee
Published: Published May 21st 2011 by Feral Dream
Rating: ★★★★★
Goodreads summary:

It's been six weeks since angels of the apocalypse descended to demolish the modern world. Street gangs rule the day while fear and superstition rule the night. When warrior angels fly away with a helpless little girl, her seventeen-year-old sister Penryn will do anything to get her back. 

Anything, including making a deal with an enemy angel. 

Raffe is a warrior who lies broken and wingless on the street. After eons of fighting his own battles, he finds himself being rescued from a desperate situation by a half-starved teenage girl. 

Traveling through a dark and twisted Northern California, they have only each other to rely on for survival. Together, they journey toward the angels' stronghold in San Francisco where she'll risk everything to rescue her sister and he'll put himself at the mercy of his greatest enemies for the chance to be made whole again.

Emma's thoughts:

If you're only ever going to read one paranormal story in your life, let it be this one.

What I absolutely love, love, love about this book is that it's about bad angels! I mean, we've always seen angels as pure innocence, messengers of God, whatever else... but never as the deliverance of a massacre! The angels are the bad guys here. They're the one killing the humans they apparently were once supposed to watch over. I just cannot get over how much I adore this! I know, that sounds pretty horrid, but it's BOOM! New! Refreshing! I know we've all heard of bad angels before, but this brings it to a whole new level.

And of course, we've all read our fair share of fallen angels. Raffe is just... sigh... He's my perfect Valentine's date if you'll look back to the post a few days ago. I simply love him. He's so surprisingly human for a celestial being. And this quote just says it: "A sense of humor is one more thing I don't think angels should have. The fact that his sense of humor is corny makes it even more wrong." Raffe is FUNNY. In a sarcastic way. And who ever thought angels to be sarcastic? There's more to him that I'm sure you'll love, but I'll let you find out for yourselves!

Penryn makes an awesome MC. She's strong. She knows how to fight! (One thing I'll always be jealous of is people who actually know how to fight. I wish I knew how to defend myself!) And the whole time, she's on the mission to find her sister. Paige, crippled at a young age, presumably by her mother, was taken away by the angels when Penryn interfered with a civil fight. Paige is the reason Penryn saves Raffe time and time again and lugs around his wings for leverage. And that kind of determination is admirable, but I guess that's what fuels most MCs in situations like these.

Thing about Angelfall is that it doesn't start when the apocalypse happened. It starts after. I think it was exceptionally genius because we're not overwhelmed with attacking winged devils (of course, there is a lot of action throughout this nevertheless). And there is a lot of gruesome scenes in here. I don't mean to sound like a sadist, but it was awesome! It was just the perfect combination of post-apocalyptic paranormal romance! Angelfall had everything I could ever wish to read.

I just cannot believe I got all that for .99 cents on Amazon. NINETY-NINE CENTS. It makes me tear up to think that I had to spend $15 on a horrid school book that was barely 100 pages and was horribly tedious, when I could've gifted away 14 of these lovely copies of Angelfall... But seriously, just one dollar, and you will get so much more.

So there it is guys. This epic, adrenalin-fueled story about angels gone bad, and one particularly sexy fallen angel is not to be missed!

I recommend this to: Everyoneeee!

Rating: 5 stars~ It's about evil angels! What's not to love?!

First:

 Ironically, since the attacks, the sunsets have been glorious.

Favourite:

"You are nothing but a bird with an attitude. Okay, so you have a few muscles, I'll grant you that. But you know, a bird is nothing but a barely evolved lizard. That's what you are."

Teaser:

  "My friends call me Wrath," says Raffe, "My enemies call me Please Have Mercy. What's your name, soldier boy?"

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[Adult Review] Spin by Catherine McKenzie

Title: Spin
Author: Catherine McKenzie
Published: 7th February 2012 by HarperCollins Publishers (Kindle/ebook)
Genre: Adult, Romance, Contemporary.
Rating: ★★★★★
Goodreads summary:

Katie Sandford has just gotten an interview at her favourite music magazine, The Line. It's the chance of a lifetime. So what does she do? Goes out to celebrate - and shows up still drunk at the interview. No surprise, she doesn't get the job, but the folks at The Line think she might be perfect for another assignment for their sister gossip rag. All Katie has to do is follow It Girl Amber Sheppard into rehab. If she can get the inside scoop (and complete the 30-day program without getting kicked out), they'll reconsider her for the job at The Line.

Katie takes the job. But things get complicated when real friendships develop, a cute celebrity handler named Henry gets involved, and Katie begins to realize she may be in rehab for a reason. Katie has to make a decision -- is publishing the article worth everything she has to lose?

Emma's thoughts:
“Imagine if Bridget Jones fell into a million little pieces, flew over the cuckoo’s nest, and befriended Lindsay Lohan along the way, and you are beginning to grasp the literary roller coaster ride that is Catherine McKenzie’s Spin.”

—Leah McLaren, author of The Continuity Girl

That is by far, the truest thing I've heard about this book.

I cannot even begin to explain how I feel about Spin. At first, I read the summary, thinking this would be a cute, easy read. Cute and easy doesn't even come close. Roller coaster is right.

Entering Kate's world is, I have to say, entertaining. She's a fun, relatable, and had me cracking up every page. I felt like this was a long novel, but not in the sense that it was boring, but I felt like after finishing this, I've lived an entire life with Kate, and the Oasis crew. When I first read about Kate's 'assignment', I admit it, I guffawed. Spy in rehab? Well, let me tell you this, I did not expect an intense, emotional, and utterly touching journey.

Amber (aka The Girl Next Door, aka TGND, aka the subject of the assignment) is a curious character. The first thing you hear from her is "Wrebbit!" An excellent actress, but a surprisingly deep and sentimental girl. She's moody and slightly eccentric, totally over the rails, but as Kate gets to know her, Amber managed to snuggle into a place in my heart. She's like a child, that you just can't help but to worry and care for.

I absolutely love the way all the relationships were developed in this story (with the exception of TGND and YJB's). Even with Saundra, Katie's therapist, dog-obsessed, and irritably stiff. Their discussions really introduces us to Katie and her upbringing. Thirty years old, aspiring journalist and an avid drinker, she begins to realize that maybe she does have a problem, and maybe she does need help.

Not only hearing about Kate's life, but everyone else's life in group therapy, it made me realize that people do actually have these problems. My life is tightly wound in bubble wrap in this sickeningly perfect community, and the closest thing I get to the real world is the news and books like these.

You learn to love each and every individual character. Even YJB grew on me! And when it's over, the saddest feeling washed over me. I was reluctant to finish this book. I didn't want to leave this family Kate had found. Her old friends, and the new ones.

This quote, I don't ever want to forget:

"...I know what messy is, and it isn't love. No, love is supposed to be simple. It's supposed to be about brushing raindrops off eyelashes, and looks across a crowded room. It's supposed to be about watching a shooting star, or the way a leaf falls off a tree and floats to the ground.
It's supposed to be about apple peels."

Henry and Kate's budding relationship was delightful to read about. It wasn't insta-love, it wasn't 'oh-i-can't-live-without-you!' It was just two people, affectionate, but cautious, and wary of the consequences (but c'mon, who can resist a delectable redhead with a witty mouth?).

I am so glad I requested this book. It deserves to be well-known and swooned over. Definitely a new favourite :)

I recommend this to: Anyone who loves a humorous, heart-warming read, or just really EVERYONE.
  

Rating: 5 stars~ Had me up til 4:30am! I just could not stop reading.

First:

This is how I lose my dream job.

Favourite:

His three days of stubble makes him look rugged and dangerous, like he could kill you with his bare hands. 

Teaser:

Never get involved in a land war in Asia.

Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review (via Netgalley) 

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[Review] Under The Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

Title: Under The Never Sky
Author: Veronica Rossi
Published: January 3rd 2012 by HarperCollins
Series: Trilogy (Under The Never Sky #1)
Rating: ★★★★★
Goodreads summary:

Aria is a teenager in the enclosed city of Reverie. Like all Dwellers, she spends her time with friends in virtual environments, called Realms, accessed through an eyepiece called a Smarteye. Aria enjoys the Realms and the easy life in Reverie. When she is forced out of the pod for a crime she did not commit, she believes her death is imminent. The outside world is known as The Death Shop, with danger in every direction.

As an Outsider, Perry has always known hunger, vicious predators, and violent energy storms from the swirling electrified atmosphere called the Aether. A bit of an outcast even among his hunting tribe, Perry withstands these daily tests with his exceptional abilities, as he is gifted with powerful senses that enable him to scent danger, food and even human emotions.

They come together reluctantly, for Aria must depend on Perry, whom she considers a barbarian, to help her get back to Reverie, while Perry needs Aria to help unravel the mystery of his beloved nephew’s abduction by the Dwellers. Together they embark on a journey challenged as much by their prejudices as by encounters with cannibals and wolves. But to their surprise, Aria and Perry forge an unlikely love - one that will forever change the fate of all who live UNDER THE NEVER SKY.

Emma's thoughts:

Words cannot explain how happy I feel right now. I closed this book (metaphorically speaking) with the biggest smile on my face.

The world Rossi has created sounds absolutely beautiful. I loved the aspects of it. The Smarteye and Realms; having everything you could ever want with just a thought. This to me, is a realistic look for the future. We'll try to find a way to live in our minds so to rely less and less on the physical earth. It's a simple solution to stop global warming no? Of course, there is no easy solution to anything. Civilizations fail, ages fade, and ours will too. I think, out of all the dystopian novels I've read, Aria's world would be the one I'd love see our world evolve into. Even Aether, the deadly substance that dances throughout the sky, taunting it's helpless victims, sounds beautiful.

Aria, as the MC, wasn't a 'takes no shit' kind of girl, but she was not weak. She didn't have a smart mouth and didn't feel the need to contradict what everyone said just for the sake of it. What I absolutely loved about this book, was the gradual development between Aria and Perry. Absolutely swoon-worthy! It felt real. With each progressing chapter, I could actually see the romance growing and their feelings turning from outright disgust to a kind, caring fondness. There was no overly sweet and dramatic declaration of undying love, no 'I can't imagine my life without you' debacle. Not only was the romance realistic, but Aria and Perry were realistic about their relationship! Really, it was a breath of fresh air, and I want to hug them both for being so real!

I have to say, I loved all the characters in this book. I loved their names too; Talon, Lumina, Marron. Even Vale, vicious Vale... He was an excellent bad guy, left me aghast and gaping near the end! And oh, Roar, Roar... I would absolutely love to meet Roar. Friendly, protective, funny, and knife wielder. His advice to Perry? 'Fall off your own roof'. Wise words.

Last of all: Cinder. Even that troublesome and rude child found a way to sneak a spot in my heart. If he ever gets his own story, I want it! His power truly intrigued me. In fact, all the powers mentioned had their own quirky attributes. They weren't completely outrageous, just more like enhanced senses. And the whole Aether confusion? I'm sure Rossi's got everything neatly planned out and ready to hand over to us in snippets. Surprisingly, I didn't find myself asking a billion and two questions whilst reading this. I had a strange sense that everything would be explained later on (and mostly they were). As for any loopholes that may've been there, I didn't notice! The world Rossi has created, to me, is as flawless as a post apocalyptic world can get.

This trilogy holds a lot of promise for an action-packed journey, and a mission that could fail a million ways, with just one (and a half) men to keep Aria fighting.


I recommend this to: Dystopian lovers, futuristic readers & anyone who enjoys a thrilling adventure!

Rating: 5 stars~ Unputdownable! Already eagerly anticipating the sequel!

First:

They called the world beyond the walls of the Pod "the Death Shop." 

Favourite:

"Seers are good at looking and good-looking, but before you start wondering, no, I'm not a Seer. Just lucky." [Oh Roar! :')]

Teaser:

He thought of all the times over the past week he'd wanted a break. Just an hour without breathing in Aria's ache, or Roar's. Yet here he was, practically sniffing under Aria's door. 

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